Barcodes,Inc.

Socket has released the latest version of their industry leading Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Software Developer Kit, SocketScan SDK version 10.1. The latest version includes many new feature and benefits and is also compatible with Apple’s latest iOS 8 operating system.

Advanced features in the SDK include data editing and Softscan (to use the iPhone and Android built in cameras as a scanner). Featured benefits of the SDK include allowing developers to build a scanner enabled application so all of the limitations of HID mode are removed. Other benefits include unlimited character set, end-to-end error checking, multiple cursor fields and program control for scan data placement.

Approximately the same size as a credit card measuring less than ½ inch (1.27cm) thick and weighing less than two ounces, the CHS 8Qi is the smallest and lightest 2D barcode scanner available in the market today. It can be attached to most smartphones including the Apple iPhone®, iPod touch® and Samsung® S4 devices in a “sled type” configuration solution. The 8Qi slips neatly into your pocket and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand when attached to a smartphone. You can add a lanyard or belt clip for a wearable solution making the 8Qi accessible at any time.

The CHS 8Qi (White- Part# CX3344-1578) (Black- Part# CX3343-1577) is the second model in the progression of the CHS Series 8 cordless barcode scanners which are attachable to most smartphones enabling one-handed professional barcode scanning. The 8Qi is also suited for Mobile Ticketing and high-end retail environments where 2D barcodes are gaining popularity for security and data capacity. The 8Qi will be available at the end of Q3, 2014.

Socket has announced a hands‐free barcode scanning solution for processing mobile coupons. The Socket Mobile QX Stand will enable customers to securely scan electronic coupons by passing them under a Socket Mobile barcode scanner in auto detection mode without relinquishing control of their electronic devices.

Socket Mobile maintains a leadership position in the Cordless Hand Scanning market by listening to our customer’s needs. Driven by the significant increase in the number of mobile coupon users, our mPOS (mobile point of sale) customers requested a hands‐free scanning mode for an otherwise mobile requirement.

Many Bluetooth barcode scanners have a serious drawback when used with an iOS device due to the fact that Apple products recognize the scanner as a wireless keyboard and disable the the built-in virtual keyboard. This essentially means that anytime you want to manually type any information you have to uncouple the Bluetooth scanner to gain access to the on-screen keyboard again.

Obviously, this is a major problem for most users and counter acts any benefits gained with the scanner.

Luckily there are some manufacturers, like Socket, that have scanners capable of acting as a HID Bluetooth device which retains the virtual keyboard functionality by double tapping the power button to allow simultaneous scanning and keystrokes.

Check out this short video for a simple demonstration of this unique feature with Socket’s Apple certified CHS Series scanners

The SoMo 655 RFID Reader with NFC operates both as a reader and writer. The SoMo 655 will read NFC High Frequency 13.56MHz contactless smart tags including those that are ISO/IEC 14443A and B compliant including Mifare and Sony FeliCa. It will also read tags that are ISO 15693 compliant, EPC GEN 2 HF and ISO 18000-3 mode 3 compliant, and will read many other proprietary tags. The RFID NFC reader plugs into the SoMo 655 handheld computer and enables single handed operations. The model 6E2 RFID reader has a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $225.00. The model 6P2 is a combination RFID NFC reader and barcode scanner with a U.S. MSRP of $569.00. The RFID Readers will be in black and antimicrobial white to match the SoMo 655 and 655Rx, respectively.

With the wide acceptance of smartphones and tablets, more and more businesses are looking to leverage iPhones, iPads, and iPods for a variety of data collection and tracking needs. One of the main challenges encountered when using an iOS device is being able to scan barcodes and read the magnetic stripe on credit/debit cards. While there are scanner apps to use a camera as a barcode reader, businesses that will have a consistent scan volume or need for accuracy will find this to be slow and cumbersome. This is where a dedicated scanner sled is the perfect solution.

The range of sleds currently available can provide 1D or 2D scanning and some models add MSR and RFID reading. The chart below is a simple breakdown of the various sleds, their capabilities, and which iOS devices they are compatible with. No matter what your needs are, there is a scanner sled that can meet them.

Socket has announced the upcoming availability of a new addition to their 2D barcode scanning product line – the Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7Qi, a small and sleek wireless barcode scanner for the Apple iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch. The scanners also support Android and Windows devices. The new 7Qi has similar performance standards and features of Socket’s current ruggedized 2D barcode scanner, Model 7Xi, but uses the same colorful housing of our other CHS models. The 7Qi is attractively priced at an MSRP of $429 and Euros 393, making it highly competitive in the 2D scanning market.

The 7Qi is available in red, yellow, blue and gray. These colorful barcode scanners enable businesses to enhance corporate branding in retail point-of-sale (POS), field sales and service, and other customer-facing applications needing both 2D and linear barcode scanning capabilities.

As a member of the Apple Developer Program, Socket obtained a beta version of iOS 7 to successfully confirm compatibility with both the CHS barcode scanners and the SocketScan 10 Software Development Kit (SDK), which enables developers to embed support for both the CHS Series 7 and Series 8 into their applications. All current models of both the Series 7 and Series 8 are Apple MFi certified to support two-way communications with Apple iOS devices.

Applications compiled with the SocketScan 10 SDK will work with iOS 7. The SDK is available to members of the Socket Mobile Developer Program.

Socket has released a new barcode scanner optimized for smartphones that can be used either attached to or detached from the phone. Thin and lightweight, the CHS Series 8 is as small as a credit card, thinner than most smartphones, and slips easily into a shirt or pants pocket. The new CHS Series 8 supports iOS, Android, and Windows based devices and is easy to integrate with any application.

It’s great for people who need to keep a hand free to handle materials or equipment while scanning barcodes.

To find the right scanner for your mobile application, contact us at BarcodesInc.

Mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, have become a cost effective option for a variety of data collection applications today. One of the main challenges faced with consumer devices however is the need to scan barcodes. While you can use the built-in camera as a basic scanner, applications that require consistent scanning throughout the day find that the app/camera option is not fast or accurate enough. Luckily there are plenty of cordless scanners from Socket you can easily pair with any mobile device. The Socket CHS series offers options for 1D and 2D scanning as well as more rugged housings including Healthcare antimicrobial devices. Pairing the scanners to your iPad only takes a few simple steps. Follow this video to add scanning to any iPad-based data collection application.